False Alarms

Make sure you – as well as all users of your alarm system (such as residents, employees or guests) – are trained on how to use it. Secure all of your windows and doors before activating your alarm.

Know and rehearse the process for cancelling an accidental alarm. Notify your alarm company immediately if you have any problems with your system.

Be aware of common problems that can lead to false alarms, such as: weak alarm system; backup batteries; open, unlocked or loose fitting doors and windows; party decorations, such as helium-filled balloons; wandering pets; improper application or installation of motion detectors; failure to properly train other users.

The City of Issaquah has contracted with ATB Services, which is located in Colorado, to administer its false alarm reduction program.

You may receive information from ATB Services with the Issaquah Police Department logo, but the ATB Services address and telephone number. That's OK - it is legitimate communication about Issaquah’s program.

In 2008 alone, the Issaquah police officers responded to 1,035 burglary, robbery or duress alarms. Of those alarms, 99.2 percent were false alarms.

Responding to these false alarms can unnecessarily cost Issaquah – and its taxpayers – thousands of dollars each year. In addition, officers responding to these false alarms are not able to respond to actual emergencies or conduct preventative patrol.

A “false alarm” occurs when Issaquah Police respond to an alarm dispatch and – after conducting an investigation of the site – find no evidence that a criminal offense, or attempted criminal offense, has occurred.

Each false burglar alarm: $100 Each false robbery or panic alarm: $200 In addition, a $200 fine is charged if the alarm site does not have a valid permit for each police response. Notification and invoices for false alarms are mailed directly by Alarm Tracking and Billing Services (ATB).

If an alarm is cancelled before an officer arrives on scene, it will not count as a false alarm, and no fine will be charged. Call your alarm company to cancel an alarm; do NOT call 9-1-1 to cancel it.

You will still receive an invoice for a fine. However, the City of Issaquah provides a one-time opportunity to have the fine waived for the first false alarm upon the successful completion of an online false alarm awareness training. Access online training.

After five false alarms occur at a single address within the two-year permit period. If registration fees or previous false-alarm fines are not paid. If your alarm company does not comply with the City’s ordinance.